Decluttering Checklist: Your Room-by-Room Guide

ByCara Palmer

Feeling overwhelmed by the mess? Searching for a way to reclaim your space and your peace of mind? This decluttering checklist is your ultimate guide to tackling clutter room by room. We’ll provide a structured approach, actionable steps, and helpful tips to make the process less daunting and more rewarding.

Whether you’re a seasoned minimalist or just starting your decluttering journey, this guide will empower you to create an organized and serene home.

Before You Begin

Decluttering checklist on a clipboard with a pen beside of it

The Mental Preparation

Decluttering is as much a mental exercise as it is a physical one. Start by setting realistic goals. Don’t expect to declutter your entire house in a single weekend. Break it down into smaller, achievable tasks.

Remember, it’s a process, not a race. Embrace the journey and celebrate your progress along the way. One of the biggest hurdles to decluttering is letting go of sentimental items. Be kind to yourself but also firm. If an item no longer serves a purpose or brings you joy, it might be time to say goodbye.

The Physical Preparation

Before you dive in, gather your supplies. You’ll need trash bags, donation boxes, and labels to organize everything. Designate areas for sorting items into “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “trash” piles. Creating a “maybe” area for items you’re unsure about can also be helpful. This will help you stay focused and avoid decision fatigue.

Download Your Free Printable Checklist!

Ready to get started?

Download our free printable decluttering checklist! Choose from a colorful version for a vibrant touch or a plain version to save ink. These handy tools will keep you on track and help you visualize your progress as you conquer each room. Stay organized and motivated, and celebrate your wins along the way!

Room-by-Room Decluttering Checklist

A woven basket full of pillows and blankets in a bedroom

Bedroom

  • Clothes and Closet: Donate or discard old shoes, stained clothes, clothes that don’t fit, and anything you haven’t worn in the past year.
  • Nightstands and Dressers: Remove old books, magazines, old socks, frayed underwear, empty containers, broken jewelry, and purses.
  • Under the Bed: Clear out dust bunnies, forgotten toys, and any items you haven’t used in months.
  • Surfaces and Decor: Remove broken items, chipped picture frames, and knick-knacks you no longer love.
A woman in a living room taking towels out of a woven basket

Living Room

  • Furniture and Seating: Assess if any furniture is unnecessary or doesn’t fit your style.
  • Bookshelves and Media: Donate books you’ve already read and won’t revisit, old DVDs, and CDs you no longer listen to.
  • Electronics and Cords: Untangle and organize cords, discarding unused electronics.
  • Coffee Table and Surfaces: Clear surfaces, leaving only a few decorative items and essentials.
Plates and bowls in a box in a kitchen

Kitchen

  • Pantry and Food Storage: Toss expired food, stale snacks, and spices you never use.
  • Countertops and Appliances: Store appliances not used daily, keeping countertops clear.
  • Cabinets and Drawers: Remove chipped mugs, mismatched Tupperware, and any kitchen gadgets you never use.
  • Cookware and Utensils: Donate or discard any duplicate or damaged cookware and utensils, especially those you haven’t used in the past year.
Make up and skin care products sitting on a counter in a bathroom

Bathroom

  • Medicine Cabinet and Cosmetics: Throw away expired medications, old makeup, and skincare products you no longer use.
  • Shower and Bath Area: Toss empty shampoo bottles, used soap bars, and any rusty razors.
  • Under the Sink: Organize and discard empty or unused cleaning supplies and toiletries.
  • Towels and Linens: Discard any stained, ripped, or worn-out towels and linens.
Files and boxes on a shelf in a home office

Home Office

  • Desk and Work Area: Remove old pens, used notebooks, and stacks of paper you no longer need.
  • Filing System and Paperwork: Shred old bills, receipts, and any documents you no longer need to keep.
  • Books and Supplies: Donate books you’ve already read, used notebooks, and any office supplies you haven’t used in the past year.
  • Electronics and Cords: Discard old chargers, broken headphones, and any outdated electronics.

Home Gym

Feeling overwhelmed by gym equipment scattered around? Check out our post on Home Gym Organization Ideas for clever storage solutions and tips to create a dedicated workout space.

Tips for Maintaining a Clutter-Free Home

Folded blue jeans in a box labeled "donations."

The One In, One Out Rule

For every new item you bring into your home, eliminate one old item. This simple rule helps prevent clutter from building up again.

The 15-Minute Daily Declutter

Spend 15 minutes each day decluttering a specific area. This small, consistent effort will make a big difference over time.

The Designated Donation Box

Keep a designated box for donations in a convenient location. Toss it in the box whenever you come across something you no longer need or use.

The Importance of Digital Decluttering

Don’t forget about digital clutter! Regularly delete old files, emails, and photos to keep your digital spaces organized and efficient.

Creative & Sustainable Solutions

A stand with three drawers that has a basket and a plant on top of it

Upcycling & Repurposing

Get creative with unwanted items! Turn old furniture into stylish statement pieces, repurpose clothes into new accessories, or use containers for clever storage solutions.

Community Sharing & Swapping

Organize or participate in local swap events or online platforms where you can exchange unwanted items with others. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to declutter.

Decluttering as a Gift

Decluttering is a great way to give back to your community. Donate gently used items to charities or shelters. If you’re unsure where to donate, check out my post, Where To Donate Stuff: Your Ultimate Guide To Declutter & Give Back, for a comprehensive list of organizations that accept donations.

Embrace the Journey to a Clutter-Free Life

Free printable decluttering checklist

We’ve covered a lot in this guide! Remember, decluttering is a journey, not a destination. Start small, be consistent, and celebrate your progress along the way. Use our colorful room-by-room checklist to tackle clutter systematically and implement our tips for maintaining a clutter-free home.

Don’t wait any longer to start your decluttering journey. Take that first step today, even if it’s just decluttering one drawer or surface. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!

Don’t Forget Your Free Decluttering Checklist!

Our free printable checklist makes decluttering even easier! Download it now to keep track of your progress as you transform your home into a peaceful sanctuary.

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3 Comments

  1. I definitely need to declutter my bedroom, but mentally it feels draining. Thank you for giving steps to make the process easier mentally and physically.

    Reply

    1. You’re very welcome! I’m happy to hear the tips resonated with you. Remember, decluttering doesn’t have to be a monumental task. Start small, be kind to yourself, and celebrate every victory, no matter how small. You’ve got this!

      Reply

  2. Decluttering can definitely feel overwhelming, especially when there’s a lot to tackle. When we break down what we need to do, it looks more manageable because it is never a one time event. I feel that declutter is really important, either it is your space or your mind.

    Reply

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